Lens barrel

ABSTRACT

A lens barrel includes a movable lens frame and a cam ring for moving the movable lens frame in a direction of an optical axis via a movement of the cam ring which is rotatable about the optical axis and movable in the direction thereof. The lens barrel includes a stationary ring provided around, and coaxial with, the cam ring; a rotatable ring provided around, and coaxial with, the stationary barrel, the rotatable ring being driven to rotate about the optical axis. A cam follower extends radially outwards from the cam ring, and a cam through-slot and a rotation transfer groove which are formed on the stationary ring and the rotatable ring, respectively, so that the cam follower is engaged in the cam through-slot and corresponding rotation transfer groove. The cam through-slot includes a linear and an inclined slot portion.

[0001] This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/101,619, filed Mar. 21, 2002, the contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a lens barrel which can be used as a photographing lens barrel of a camera.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] A conventional lens barrel in which each of linearly guided front and rear lens groups is provided with a set of follower pins which are respectively engaged in a corresponding set of cam grooves (cam slots) formed on a rotating cam ring so that the linearly guided front and rear lens groups move in an optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis by rotation of the cam ring to move each of the front and rear lens groups between an accommodation position and a ready-to-photograph position in front of the accommodation is known in the art.

[0006] However, if the diameter of the cam ring is small, a reduction of the pitch of each cam groove (i.e., a reduction of the angle of inclination of each cam groove relative to a circumferential direction of the cam ring) causes the set of cam grooves for the first lens group and the set of cam grooves for the second lens group to interfere with each other, or causes the front and rear lens groups positioned at their respective accommodation positions to interfere with each other, to thereby get stuck (jam) thereat even if the cam ring is rotated to move the first and second lens groups forward from their respective accommodation positions.

[0007] Among such type of lens barrels, in a lens barrel required to be designed compact as much as possible, it is sometimes desirable not to rotate the cam ring for the purpose of preventing the cam ring from interfering, with any peripheral elements while moving the cam ring in the optical axis direction in a predetermined moving section of the cam ring from a fully retracted position thereof.

[0008] Moreover, in the above described conventional type of lens barrels, backlash occurs between the cam ring and a guiding mechanism for guiding the cam ring in the optical axis direction when the cam ring is moved to a ready-to-photograph position thereof. Such backlash deteriorates the performance of the focusing system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides a lens barrel having front and rear lens groups and a cam ring on which cam grooves for driving the front and rear lens groups are formed, wherein front and rear lens groups can be driven to move forward smoothly from their respective accommodation positions in an optical axis direction by rotation of the cam ring even if the angle of inclination of each cam groove formed thereon with respect to a circumferential direction of the cam ring is small.

[0010] The present invention provides a lens barrel in which the cam ring is prevented from interfering with any peripheral elements while moving in the optical axis direction in a predetermined moving section of the cam ring from a fully retracted position thereof.

[0011] The present invention provides a lens barrel in which backlash is prevented from occurring between the cam ring and a guiding mechanism for guiding the cam ring in the optical axis direction with a simple mechanism.

[0012] For example, in an embodiment, a lens barrel is provided, including a front lens frame which supports a front lens group and includes a first cam follower, the front lens frame being guided linearly in an optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis; a rear lens frame which supports a rear lens group and includes a second cam follower; a cam ring driven to rotate about the optical axis, the cam ring including a first cam groove and a second cam groove in which the first cam follower and the second cam follower are respectively engaged; the first cam groove including a first moving section for moving the front lens frame in the optical axis direction, and a first accommodation section for moving the front lens frame behind a position of the front lens frame of which the first follower is engaged in the first moving section; the second cam groove including a second moving section for moving the rear lens frame in the optical axis direction, and a second accommodation section for moving the rear lens frame behind a position of the rear lens frame of which the second follower is engaged in the second moving section, the second accommodation section including an accommodation position at which the rear lens frame is positioned rearmost; and a guiding mechanism, provided between the front lens frame and the rear lens frame, for allowing the rear lens frame to rotate about the optical axis relative to the front lens frame when the second cam follower is engaged in a vicinity of the accommodation position of the second accommodation section, and for prohibiting the rear lens frame from rotating about the optical axis relative to the front lens frame while allowing the rear lens frame to move only in the optical axis direction relative to the front lens frame when the second cam follower is engaged in a section of the second cam groove which includes the second moving section and excludes the vicinity of the accommodation position.

[0013] The lens barrel can further include a shutter unit fixed to the rear lens frame; and a flexible PWB which extends rearward from the shutter unit so that a drive signal can be transmitted to the shutter unit via the flexible PWB.

[0014] The lens barrel can further include an elastic band, which is engaged with the flexible PWB to pull a portion of the flexible PWB in a direction away from the optical axis.

[0015] The elastic band can be a rubber band.

[0016] The multi-direction guiding mechanism can include a linear guide groove formed on an inner peripheral surface of the front lens frame to extend parallel to the optical axis; a rotation-permitting groove, formed at a front end of the linear guide groove, which communicatively connects with the linear guide groove, a width of the rotation-permitting groove being greater than a width of the linear guide groove in a circumferential direction of the front lens frame; and a linear guide projection, formed on the rear lens frame, which is engaged in the rotation-permitting groove when the second cam follower is engaged in the vicinity of the accommodation position, and which is engaged in the linear guide groove when the second cam follower is engaged in the section of the second cam groove which includes the second moving section and excludes the vicinity of the accommodation position.

[0017] The front lens frame can include an inner flange for supporting the front lens group, a circumferential opening being formed on the front lens frame. The rear lens frame can include a front projecting portion, on which the linear guide projection is formed, the front projecting portion projecting forward to extend through the inner flange through the circumferential opening when the second cam follower is engaged in the vicinity of the accommodation position.

[0018] The inner flange can be formed on the front lens frame at a front end thereof.

[0019] The lens barrel can be a zoom lens barrel, wherein the first moving section and the second moving section constitute a first zooming section and a second zooming section for moving the front lens group and the rear lens group to perform a zooming operation, respectively.

[0020] The rear lens frame can rotate about the optical axis via rotation of the cam ring when the second cam follower is engaged in the vicinity of the accommodation position.

[0021] In another embodiment, a lens barrel is provided, including a front lens frame which supports a front lens group and includes a first cam follower, the front lens frame being guided linearly in an optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis; a rear lens frame which supports a rear lens group and includes a second cam follower; a cam ring driven to rotate about the optical axis, the cam ring including a continuous cam groove in which the first cam follower and the second cam follower are engaged; wherein the continuous cam groove includes a first moving section for moving the front lens group in the optical axis direction; a first accommodation section for moving the front lens frame behind a position of the front lens frame of which the first follower is engaged in the first moving section; a second moving section for moving the rear lens group in the optical axis direction; and a second accommodation section for moving the rear lens frame behind a position of the rear lens frame of which the second follower is engaged in the second moving section, the second accommodation position including an accommodation position at which the rear lens frame is positioned rearmost, in that order from one end of the continuous cam groove; and a guiding mechanism for allowing the rear lens frame to rotate about the optical axis relative to the front lens frame when the second cam follower is engaged in a vicinity of the accommodation position of the second accommodation section, and for prohibiting the rear lens frame from rotating about the optical axis relative to the front lens frame while allowing the rear lens frame to move only in the optical axis direction relative to the front lens frame when the second cam follower is engaged in a section of the second cam groove which includes the second moving section and excludes the vicinity of the accommodation position. The second accommodation section is formed to firstly make the rear lens frame move in the optical axis direction while making the rear lens frame rotate about the optical axis relative to the front lens frame via the second cam follower engaged in the second accommodation section, and to subsequently make the front lens frame guide the rear lens frame in the optical axis direction without making the rear lens frame rotate about the optical axis when the first cam follower of the front lens frame moves from the first accommodation section to the second moving section by rotation of the cam ring.

[0022] The lens barrel can be a zoom lens barrel, wherein the first moving section and the second moving section constitute a first zooming section and a second zooming section for moving the front lens group and the rear lens group to perform a zooming operation, respectively.

[0023] The guiding mechanism can include a guiding portion formed on the front lens frame, wherein the front lens frame firstly comes into contact with the rear lens frame and subsequently presses the rear lens frame to move the rear lens frame forward in the optical axis direction when the first cam follower passes the second moving section while moving from the first accommodation section toward the first moving section; and an engaging portion formed on the rear lens frame, the engaging portion being engaged with the guiding portion to be guided linearly in the optical axis direction by the guiding portion, wherein a side edge of the second accommodation section firstly comes into contact with the second cam follower, and subsequently the side edge presses the second cam follower to rotate the rear lens frame about the optical axis so that the engaging portion enters the guiding portion when the rear lens frame is moved forward by the front lens frame.

[0024] In another embodiment, a lens barrel is provided, having an optical system having a plurality of lens groups, the lens barrel including a lens supporting frame to which a frontmost lens group of the plurality of lens groups is fixed; a first moving frame to which the lens supporting frame is screw-engaged; a second moving frame to which a rear lens group of the plurality of lens groups which is positioned behind the frontmost lens group is supported; and a support frame movement mechanism for moving the first moving frame and the second moving frame between respective ready-to-photograph positions and respective accommodation positions located behind the respective ready-to-photograph positions in an optical axis direction. The support frame movement mechanism makes the first moving frame and the second moving frame rotate about the optical axis relative to each other with the lens supporting frame and the second moving frame being in contact with each other when the first moving frame and the second moving frame are respectively positioned in the vicinity of the respective accommodation positions. One of the lens supporting frame and the second moving frame includes a low-frictional portion provided on a contacting surface thereof.

[0025] The low-frictional portion can be a low-frictional sheet fixed to the contacting surface.

[0026] A fixing position of the lens supporting frame relative to the first moving frame in the optical axis direction can be adjusted via the screw-engagement therebetween during assembly.

[0027] The low-frictional sheet can be fixed to a contacting surface of the second moving frame which comes into sliding contact with a contacting surface of the lens supporting frame.

[0028] The lens barrel can be a zoom lens barrel.

[0029] In another embodiment, a lens barrel is provided, having at least one movable lens frame and a cam ring for moving the movable lens frame in a direction of an optical axis via a movement of the cam ring which is rotatable about the optical axis and movable in the optical axis direction, the lens barrel including a stationary ring provided around, and coaxial with, the cam ring; a rotatable ring provided around, and coaxial with, the stationary barrel, the rotatable ring being driven to rotate about the optical axis; a cam follower which extends radially outwards from the cam ring; and a cam through-slot and a rotation transfer groove which are formed on the stationary ring and the rotatable ring, respectively, so that the cam follower is engaged in the cam through-slot and corresponding the rotation transfer groove. The cam through-slot includes a linear slot portion which extends parallel to the optical axis; and an inclined slot portion which extends in a direction inclined to both the optical axis direction and a circumferential direction of the stationary ring. The rotation transfer groove includes an inclined groove portion in which the cam follower is engaged when the cam follower is engaged in the linear slot portion, and a linear groove portion in which the cam follower is engaged when the cam follower is engaged in the inclined slot portion.

[0030] The linear slot portion can be formed on the stationary barrel at a position to fully retract the cam ring.

[0031] The movable lens frame can include a front movable lens frame and a rear movable lens frame; the lens barrel further including a linear guide ring which guides the front movable lens frame linearly in the optical axis direction without rotating the front movable lens frame about the optical axis; and a biasing device provided between the linear guide ring and the front movable lens frame, for biasing the front movable lens frame rearwards. Each of the front movable lens frame and the rear movable lens frame moves to an accommodation position thereof via a biasing force of the biasing device when the cam follower of the cam ring moves along the linear slot portion toward an end thereof corresponding to an accommodation position of the cam ring.

[0032] The lens barrel can be a zoom lens barrel.

[0033] The biasing device can include at least one helical compression spring.

[0034] In another embodiment, a lens barrel is provided, in which a movable lens frame is driven in an optical axis direction via rotation of a cam ring, the lens barrel including a cam follower which extends radially outwards from the cam ring; a stationary barrel provided around, and coaxial with, the cam ring, the stationary barrel including a cam through-slot in which the cam follower is engaged, the cam through-slot including a lens-frame-driving slot portion for moving the movable lens frame in the optical axis direction in a predetermined operating range; and a biasing ring for biasing the cam ring toward the stationary ring in the optical axis direction. The biasing ring includes a contacting surface which comes into contact with a portion of the cam follower which projects radially outwards from the cam through-slot to press the portion of the cam follower against a side edge of the cam through-slot when the cam follower is engaged in the lens-frame-driving slot portion of the cam through-slot.

[0035] The biasing ring can include a projection, a rear end surface thereof constituting the contacting surface.

[0036] It is desirable for the cam through-slot to extends in a circumferential direction of the stationary barrel.

[0037] The lens barrel can further include a rotatable ring provided around, and coaxial with, the stationary barrel, the rotatable ring being driven to rotate about the optical axis. The rotatable ring includes a rotation transfer groove formed on an inner peripheral surface of the rotatable ring so that the cam follower is engaged in the cam through-slot and a corresponding the rotation transfer groove, the cam ring being rotated by rotation of the rotatable ring via engagement of the cam follower with the rotation transfer groove.

[0038] The lens barrel can further include a biasing device which biases the biasing ring and the rotatable ring to approach each other in the optical axis direction; wherein the biasing ring is mounted to the rotatable ring via the biasing device.

[0039] The lens barrel can further include a rotatable ring provided around, and coaxial with, the stationary barrel and driven to rotate about the optical axis, the rotatable ring including a rotation transfer groove formed on an inner peripheral surface of the rotatable ring so that the cam follower is engaged in the cam through-slot and a corresponding the rotation transfer groove, the cam ring being rotated by rotation of the rotatable ring via engagement of the cam follower with the rotation transfer groove; and a biasing device which biases the biasing ring and the rotatable ring to approach each other in the optical axis direction. The biasing ring is mounted to the rotatable ring via the biasing device. The projection is formed on the biasing ring to extend radially inwards to extend through the rotatable ring through a through hole formed on the rotatable ring immediately in front of the rotation transfer groove.

[0040] The lens barrel can be a zoom lens barrel, the lens-frame-driving slot portion constituting a zooming slot portion for moving the movable lens frame in the optical axis to perform a zooming operation.

[0041] The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained in Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 2001-83685, 2001-83686, 2001-83687, 2001-83688 and 2001-83689 (all filed on Mar. 22, 2001) which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0043]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a zoom lens barrel according to the present invention;

[0044]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an upper left portion of the zoom lens barrel shown in FIG. 1;

[0045]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a middle portion of the zoom lens barrel shown in FIG. 1;

[0046]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a lower right portion of the zoom lens barrel in FIG. 1;

[0047]FIG. 5 is an axial cross sectional view of the zoom lens barrel shown in FIG. 1, above the optical axis, showing the zoom lens barrel in an accommodation state;

[0048]FIG. 6 is an axial cross sectional view of the zoom lens barrel shown in FIG. 1, above the optical axis, taken along a plane different from that of FIG. 5, showing the zoom lens barrel in an accommodation state;

[0049]FIG. 7 is an axial cross sectional view of the zoom lens barrel shown in FIG. 1, showing the zoom lens barrel in an accommodation state above the optical axis, and further showing the zoom lens barrel in a ready-to-photograph state below the optical axis;

[0050]FIG. 8 is a developed view of an outer peripheral surface of a cam ring provided as an element of the zoom lens barrel shown in FIG. 1;

[0051]FIG. 9 is a developed view of one of three cam grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface of the cam ring, showing the profile of the cam groove;

[0052]FIG. 10 is a developed view of two of the three cam grooves shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, showing the relationship between the cam grooves, first follower pins formed on a first lens frame, and second follower pins formed on a second lens frame;

[0053]FIG. 11 is a schematic developed view of a cam-ring-control cam slot formed on a stationary ring and an associated rotation transfer groove formed on a rotatable ring;

[0054]FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the zoom lens barrel with a barrier blade support front plate removed therefrom in a state where a pair of lens barrier blades are closed;

[0055]FIG. 13 is a view similar to that of FIG. 12 and illustrates the barrier drive ring and peripheral elements thereof in a state where the pair of lens barrier blades are open;

[0056]FIG. 14 is a view similar to that of FIG. 12 and illustrates the pair of barrier blades of a barrier unit, showing the relationship between the pair of barrier blades and an inner ring;

[0057]FIG. 15 is a graph showing variations of respective axial positions of first and second lens groups (first and second lens frames) in a range of movement including a zooming section and a retracting section;

[0058]FIG. 16 is a developed view of the cam ring and the barrier drive ring, showing the positional relationship therebetween; and

[0059]FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a lens barrier blade shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0060]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an extendible zoom lens barrel for a digital camera. The zoom lens barrel 1 is provided with a guiding mechanism (support frame movement mechanism) which includes a set of three linear guide grooves (guiding portions) 18 c of a first lens group moving frame (front lens frame) 18, a set of three circumferential recesses (rotation-permitting grooves) 18 h of the first lens group moving frame 18, and a set of three linear guide keys (linear guide projections/engaging portions) 19 a of the second lens group moving frame (rear lens frame) 19. The zoom lens barrel 1 is further provided with a support-frame drive mechanism which includes a set of three follower pins 18 f of the first lens group moving frame 18, a set of three follower pins 19 f of the second lens group moving frame 19, a cam ring 15, a set of three linear guide holes 18 a of the first lens group moving frame 18, a set of three linear guide bosses 17 d of an inner ring 17, the set of three linear guide grooves 18 c of the first lens group moving frame 18, and a set of three linear guide keys 19 a of the second lens group moving frame 19.

[0061] As can be clearly seen in FIGS. 5 through 7, the zoom lens barrel 1 is provided with a photographing optical system including three lens groups: a first lens group L1, a second lens group L2 and a third lens group L3, in that order from the object side (the left side as viewed in each of FIGS. 5 through 7) The first and second lens groups L1 and L2 are driven to move along an optical axis O relative to the third lens group L3 while varying the distance therebetween to perform zooming operation. The third lens group L3 serves as a focusing lens group, and is driven to move along-the optical axis O to perform focusing operation.

[0062] The zoom lens barrel 1 is provided with a housing 11, a shaft holding member 12 and a stationary ring 13, which are all stationary members fixed to a camera body (not shown). Accordingly, the housing 11, the shaft holding member 12 and the stationary ring 13 do not move in the direction of the optical axis O (i.e., in the optical axis direction) or rotates about the optical axis O. The housing 11 is provided at a rear end thereof with a flange 11 a (see FIG. 4), while the stationary ring 13 is provided at a rear end thereof with a flange 13 a which is fixed to the flange 11 a of the housing 11. The housing 11 is provided with an outer cylindrical portion 11 b and a filter holding portion 11 c to which a low-pass filter 11 d is fixed. As shown in FIGS. 5 through 7, the low-pass filter 11 d is positioned in front of a CCD (solid-state image pick-up device) 10 a fixed to a stationary base 10 positioned in the camera body.

[0063] The stationary ring 13 is positioned inside the outer cylindrical portion 11 b of the housing 11. The zoom lens barrel 1 is provided, on the stationary ring 13 between the stationary ring 13 and the outer cylindrical portion. 11 b, with a rotatable ring 14. The stationary ring 13 is positioned inside the rotatable ring 14 which supports the cam ring 15 therein. The stationary ring 13 is provided with a set of three cam slots (cam through-slots) 13 b formed on the stationary ring 13 as through-slots at equi-angular intervals in a circumferential direction thereof. The cam ring 15 is provided at the rear end thereof with a thick-wall cylinder portion 15 a. A set of three follower pins (cam followers) 15 b fixed to the thick-wall cylinder portion 15 a at equi-angular intervals in a circumferential direction of the cam ring 15 pass through the set of three cam slots 13 b of the stationary ring 13 to be engaged in a set of three rotation transfer grooves 14 a (only of which appears in FIGS. 1 and 4) which are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the rotatable ring 14.

[0064]FIG. 11 shows a developed view of one of the three cam slots 13 b and the associated one of the three rotation transfer grooves 14 a. Each rotation transfer groove 14 a includes a linear groove portion 14 a 1, an inclined groove portion 14 a 2, and a circumferential groove portion 14 a 3 in that order from the front end to the rear end of the linear groove portion 14 a 1 (from left to right as viewed in FIG. 11) The linear groove portion 14 a 1, which occupies a major portion of the rotation transfer groove 14 a, extends parallel to the optical axis O. The circumferential groove portion 14 a 3 of each rotation transfer groove 14 a is used only when the zoom lens barrel 1 is assembled/disassembled. Each cam slot 13 b includes a linear slot portion 13 b 1, a state-changing slot portion (inclined slot portion) 13 b 2, a zooming slot portion (lens-frame-driving slot portion) 13 b 3, and a terminal slot portion 13 b 4, in that order from the end (the lower end as viewed in FIG. 11) of the cam slot 13 b which closest to the rear end of the stationary ring 13. The linear slot portion 13 b 1 extends parallel to the optical axis O. The state-changing slot portion 13 b 2 extends in a direction inclined with respect to both the optical axis O and a circumferential direction of the stationary ring 13. The zooming slot portion 13 b 3 extends in a circumferential direction of the stationary ring 13. The terminal slot portion 13 b 4 is used only when the zoom lens barrel 1 is assembled/disassembled.

[0065] The rotating barrel 14 rotates about the optical axis O in a rotational range between an accommodation position (accommodation position) and a telephoto extremity via a wide-angle extremity. This rotational range includes a preparation section (preparation stage) which extends between the accommodation position and the wide-angle extremity, and a zooming section which extends between the wide-angle extremity to the telephoto extremity (see FIG. 11). If the rotatable ring 14 rotates relative to the stationary ring 13 in a state where each follower pin 15 b is engaged in the inclined groove portion 14 a 2 of the associated rotation transfer groove 14 a and the linear slot portion 13 b 1 of the associated cam slot 13 b (i.e., in a state where the rotatable ring 14 is in the accommodation position and where the cam ring 15 is fully retracted), each follower pin 15 b of the cam ring 15 is pressed by a side edge of the linear slot portion 13 b 1 of the associated cam slot 13 b, which causes the cam ring 15 to move in the optical axis direction along the linear slot portion 13 b 1 without rotating about the optical axis O. If the rotatable ring 14 rotates relative to the stationary ring 13 in a state where each follower pin 15 b is engaged in the linear groove portion 14 a 1 of the associated rotation transfer groove 14 a and the state-changing slot portion 13 b 2 of the associated cam slot 13 b (i.e., in a state where the rotatable ring 14 is in the preparation section), each follower pin 15 b of the cam ring 15 moves along the state-changing slot port-ion 13 b 2 of the associated cam slot 13 b, which causes the cam ring 15 to rotate about the optical axis O while moving in the optical axis direction due to the engagement of the follower pin 15 b with the state-changing slot portion 13 b 2. If the rotatable ring 14 rotates relative to the stationary ring 13 in a state where each follower pin 15 b is engaged he linear groove portion 14 a 1 of the associated rotation transfer groove 14 a and the zooming slot portion 13 b 3 of the associated cam slot 13 b (i.e., in a state where the rotatable ring 14 is in the zooming section), each follower pin 15 b of the cam ring 15 moves along the zooming slot portion 13 b 3 of the associated cam slot 13 b, which causes the cam ring 15 to rotate about the optical axis O without moving in the optical axis direction.

[0066] The rotatable ring 14 is provided on an outer peripheral surface thereof with a circumferential gear 14 b which is in mesh with a drive pinion (not shown). The drive pinion is driven by a reversible motor (not shown) to rotate forwardly and reversely. Rotation of the drive pinion causes the rotatable ring 14 to rotate to thereby move the cam ring 15 in the optical axis direction while rotating about the optical axis O. Accordingly, if the accommodation position of the cam ring 15 is regarded as a starting position (reference position) of movement of the cam ring 15, firstly the cam ring 15 moves linearly in the optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis O (due to the linear slot portions 13 b 1), subsequently the cam ring 15 moves in the optical axis direction while rotating about the optical axis O (due to the state-changing slot portions 13 b 2 in the preparation section) and finally the cam ring 15 rotates about the optical axis O without moving in the optical axis direction (due to the zooming slot portion 13 b 3 in the zooming section).

[0067] In the present embodiment of the zoom lens barrel 1, the rotatable ring 14, the cam ring 15 and a barrier drive ring 31 are rotatable elements. The remaining movable elements, except for the second lens group moving frame 19, linearly move in the optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis O. The second lens group moving frame 19 can rotate about the optical axis O slightly. Such linearly moving elements and guiding mechanisms thereof will be hereinafter discussed. The zoom lens barrel 1 is provided between the stationary ring 13 and the cam ring 15 with an outer ring 16 and the inner ring 17 which is provided inside the outer ring 16. The outer ring 16 and the inner ring 17 are positioned in an annular space between the cam ring 15 and the stationary ring 13, while the thick-wall cylinder portion 15 a of the cam ring 15 is engaged with an inner peripheral surface of the stationary ring 13 so that the cam ring 15 can rotate about the optical axis O relative to the stationary ring 13 without tilting relative to the optical axis O.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 2, the outer ring 16, which is positioned immediately inside of the stationary ring 13, includes a main ring body 16 r and a reinforcing ring 16 x which are made of synthetic resin and metal, respectively main ring body 16 r is provided at a rear end thereof with a thick-wall cylinder portion 16 a, and is further provided, on the thick-wall cylinder portion 16 a at equi-angular intervals in a circumferential direction of the main ring body 16 r, with a set of three linear guide keys 16 b (only one of which appears in FIGS. 1 and 2) which extend radially outwards. The stationary ring 13 is provided on an inner peripheral surface thereof with a set of three linear guide grooves 13 c which extend parallel to the optical axis O, and in which the set of three linear guide keys 16 b of the main ring body 16 r are slidably engaged in the set of three linear guide grooves 13 c, respectively. The metal reinforcing ring 16 x is fitted on, and adhered to, an outer peripheral surface of the main ring body 16 r in front of the thick-wall cylinder portion 16 a by an adhesive to reinforce the main ring body 16 r with a minimum increase in wall thickness of the outer ring 16, which contributes to a reduction in wall thickness of the zoom lens barrel 1, i.e., contributes to further miniaturization of the zoom lens barrel 1.

[0069] Similar to the outer ring 16, the inner ring frame 17 includes a main ring body 17 r and a reinforcing ring 17 x which are made of synthetic resin and metal, respectively. The main ring body 17 r is provided at a rear end thereof with a thick-wall cylinder portion 17 a. The metal reinforcing ring 17 x is fitted on and adhered to an outer peripheral surface of the main ring body 17 r in front of the thick-wall cylinder portion 17 a by an adhesive to reinforce the main ring body 17 r with a minimum increase in wall thickness of the inner ring 17, which contributes to a reduction in wall thickness of the zoom lens barrel 1, i.e., contributes to further miniaturization of the zoom lens barrel 1.

[0070] The outer ring 16 is provided, on an inner peripheral surface of the main ring body 16 r at equi-angular intervals in a circumferential direction of the outer ring 16, with a set of three linear guide grooves 16 c which extend parallel to the optical axis O. The inner ring 17 is provided on the thick-wall cylinder portion 17 a with a set of three linear guide keys 17 b which extend radially outwards to be slidably engaged in the set of three linear guide grooves 16 c of the main ring body 16 r, respectively. The outer ring 16 is provided at the rear end thereof with a set of three bayonet prongs 16 d (only one of which appears in FIG. 5) which extend radially inwards. The cam ring is provided, in the vicinity of the rear end thereof immediately in front of the thick wall cylinder portion 15 a, with a circumferential groove 15 c in which the set of three bayonet prongs 16 d are engaged to be movable in the circumferential groove 15 c within a predetermined angle of rotation. When the cam ring 15 is positioned within an operating angle relative to the outer ring 16, the cam ring 15 and the outer ring 16 are movable together in the optical axis direction without disengaging from each other, and at the same time, the cam ring 15 is rotatable about the optical axis O relative to the outer ring 16 due to the engagement of the set of three bayonet prongs 16 d with the circumferential groove 15 c.

[0071] The main ring body 17 r of the inner ring 17 is provided in the vicinity of the front end thereof with an inner flange 17 c which extends radially inwards and to which a barrier unit 40 and the barrier drive ring 31 are fixed. The main ring body 17 r of the inner ring 17 is provided, on an rear face of the inner flange 17 c at equi-angular intervals in a circumferential direction of the inner ring 17, with the set of three linear guide bosses 17 d (only one of which appears in FIGS. 1 and 3). The zoom lens barrel 1 is provided with the first lens group moving frame 18 which is provided in the inner ring 17. The first lens group moving frame 18 is provided at the front end thereof with an inner flange 18 b which extends radially inwards to form a circular aperture having the center thereof about the optical axis O. A female thread portion 18 d is formed on an inner peripheral face of the inner flange 18 b. The first lens group moving frame 18 is provided on the inner flange 18 b with the set of three linear guide holes 18 a in which the set of three linear guide bosses 17 d of the inner ring 17 are slidably engaged, respectively. Each linear guide hole 18 a is formed having an oval cross section which is elongated in a radial direction of the first lens group moving frame 18. Even if each linear guide boss 17 d is fitted in the associated linear guide hole, 18 a with a substantial clearance therebetween, the inner ring 17 is guided in the optical axis direction relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 with a sufficient degree of precision since the first lens group moving frame 18 is slidably fitted into the cam ring 15. The first lens group moving frame 18 is provided, on an inner peripheral surface thereof at equi-angular intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, with the set of three linear guide grooves 18 c which extend parallel to the optical axis O.

[0072] The second lens group moving frame 19 is fitted in the first lens group moving frame 18. The second lens group moving frame 19 is provided, on an outer peripheral surface thereof at the front end of the outer peripheral surface, with the set of three linear guide keys 19 a which are slidably engaged into the set of three linear guide grooves 18 c of the first lens group moving frame 18, respectively.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the second lens group L2 includes three lens elements: front, middle and rear lens elements. The front lens element is fixed to the second lens group moving frame 19 to be directly supported thereby. The rear lens element is supported by a support ring 19 d which is fixed to the second lens group moving frame 19 from rear thereof, so that the rear lens element is supported by the second lens group moving frame 19 via the support ring 19 d. The middle lens element is fixed to the rear lens element so that a rear surface of the middle lens element is cemented to a front surface of the rear lens element. Accordingly, the middle lens element of the second lens group L2 is supported by the second lens group moving frame 19 via the rear lens element of the second lens group L2 and the support ring 19 d.

[0074] As can be understood from the above description, according to the above described guiding mechanisms of the zoom lens barrel 1, the outer ring 16 is guided linearly in the optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis O via the stationary ring 13, the inner ring 17 is guided linearly in the optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis O via the outer ring 16, the first lens group moving frame 18 is guided linearly in the optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis O via the inner ring 17, and the second lens group moving frame 19 is guided linearly in the optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis O via the first lens group moving frame 18, in that order from the outside to the inside of the zoom lens barrel 1. Furthermore, the linear guiding mechanism provided between the inner ring 17 and the first lens group moving frame 18 includes the set of three linear guide bosses 17 d, which extend in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and the set of three linear guide holes 18 a, and is positioned in the vicinity of the front end of each of the inner ring 17 and the first lens group moving frame 18. Due to this structure, no other linear guiding elements have to be provided on either the inside or the outside of the cam ring 15. This contributes to a reduction of the annular space between the inner ring 17 and the first lens group moving frame 18 to thereby minimize the diameter of the zoom lens barrel 1.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 5 through 7, the zoom lens barrel 1 is provided with a first lens frame (lens supporting frame) 20 to which the first lens group L1 is fixed. The first lens frame 20 is fixed to the first lens group moving frame 18, so that the first lens frame 20 and the first lens group moving frame 18 constitute a front lens support member. Accordingly, the first lens group L1 is supported by the first lens group moving frame 18 via the first lens frame 20. More specifically, the first lens frame 20 is provided on an outer peripheral surface thereof with a male thread portion which is in mesh with the female thread portion 18 d of the inner flange 18 b. The first lens frame 20 is cemented to the first lens group moving frame 18 by an adhesive after the thread engagement position of the male thread portion of the first lens frame 20 with respect to the female thread portion 18 d of the inner flange 18 b has been adjusted during assembly. The zoom lens barrel 1 is provided in an annular recess 19 b of the second lens group moving frame 19 with a shutter unit 21 which is fixed to the second lens group moving frame 19 by set screws (not shown). A light shield ring 19 c is fitted in the second lens group moving frame 19 from front thereof to be fixed thereto to hold the shutter unit 21 between the light shield ring 19 c and the second lens group moving frame 19. The shutter unit 21 is provided with shutter blades 21 a. The shutter unit 21 drives the shutter blades 21 a to open and close in accordance with information on an object brightness. The zoom lens barrel 1 is provided therein with a flexible printed wiring board (flexible PWB) 21 b one end (front end) of which is fixed to the shutter unit 21 (see FIG. 7). A drive signal is given to the shutter unit 21 via the flexible PWB 21 b. As shown in FIG. 7, the flexible PWB 2lb extends rearward from the shutter unit 21, and subsequently bends radially outwards to extend forward. Subsequently, the flexible PWB 21 b penetrates the stationary ring 13 via a through-slot 28 a (see FIGS. 4 and 7) formed thereon, and bends radially outwards to extend rearward along a guiding portion 28 of the stationary ring 13 which extends parallel to the optical axis O. A portion of the flexible PWB 21 b which extends along the outer surface of the guiding portion 28 is cemented thereto Subsequently, the flexible PWB 21 b extends rearward to be positioned outside the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 7, a bending portion 21 bx of the flexible PWB 21 b in the vicinity of the through-slot 28 a passes through a rubber band 29 which is hooked over a hook half formed at the rear end of the housing 11. In a state where the zoom lens barrel 1 is fully extended as shown below the optical axis O in FIG. 7, the front end of the stretched rubber band 29 is positioned behind the position of the through-slot 28 a in the optical axis direction to pull the bending portion 21 bx obliquely rearwards in a direction away from the optical axis O to prevent the flexible PWB 21 b from bending to interfere with the photographing optical path of the zoom lens barrel 1.

[0076] The zoom lens barrel 1 is provided with a third lens frame 22 to which the third lens group L3 is fixed. As shown in FIG. 4, the third lens frame 22 is guided in the optical axis direction via a pair of linear guide rods 22 a which extend parallel to the optical axis. The front and rear ends of each linear guide rod 22 a are fixed to the shaft holding member 12 and the housing 11, respectively. The third lens frame 22 is driven to move in the optical axis direction by rotation of a feed screw 24 which is driven forwardly and reversely by a step motor (not shown) in accordance with information on a photographing distance.

[0077] A zooming operation is carried out by moving the first and second lens groups L1 and L2 (the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19) in the optical axis direction relative to the third lens group L3 while varying the distance therebetween. The cam ring 15 is provided, on an inner peripheral surface thereof at equi-intervals in a circumferential direction of the cam ring 15, with a set of three lens-drive cam grooves C1 (see FIGS. 1, 3 and 5). The first lens group moving frame 18 and the second lens group moving frame 19, which are guided linearly in the optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis O, move in the optical axis direction by rotation of the cam ring 15 in accordance with the profiles of the lens-drive cam grooves C1. The developed view of the lens-drive cam grooves C1 is shown in FIGS. 8 through 10. In FIG. 8 each lens-drive cam groove C1, which is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the cam ring 15, is shown by dotted lines and is shown by solid lines in FIGS. 9 and 10 to clearly indicate the profile thereof. A feature of the zoom lens barrel 1 is that each lens-drive cam groove C1 is formed as a continuous bottomed groove to have respective cam groove portions for the first and second lens groups L1 and L2, and that the first and second lens groups L1 and L2 are released from the constraints of the set of three lens-drive cam grooves C1 at their respective accommodation positions so that the first and second lens groups L1 and L2 can be accommodated to be positioned close to each other until the first lens frame 20 and the second lens group moving frame 19 come into contact with each other.

[0078] Namely, the set of three follower pins 18 f that are projected radially outwards from the first lens group moving frame 18 and the set of three follower pins 19 f that are projected radially outwards from the second lens group moving frame 19 are slidably engaged in the set of three lens-drive cam grooves C1, respectively. Each lens-drive cam groove C1, which is formed as a continuous bottomed groove, has a function to move the first and second lens groups L1 and L2 (the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19) in their respective zoom paths. Unlike the present embodiment of the zoom lens barrel 1, in a conventional zoom lens barrel having a cam ring for driving a plurality of movable lens groups, a set of cam grooves is necessary for each of the plurality of movable lens groups.

[0079] Each lens-drive cam groove C1 is provided at one end thereof with an insertion end C1 e via which one of the three follower pins 18 f of the first lens group moving frame 18 and one of the three follower pins 19 f of the second lens group moving frame 19 are inserted into the lens-drive cam groove C1. Each lens-drive cam groove C1 is further provided with a first-lens-group zooming section (first moving section) C1Z1, a second-lens-group zooming section (second moving section) C1Z2, a first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 and a second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2, in that order from the insertion end C1 e. The opposite ends (lower and upper ends as viewed in FIG. 9) of the first-lens-group zooming section C1Z1 determines a telephoto extremity Z1T and a wide-angle extremity Z1W of the first lens group L1, respectively. The opposite ends (lower and upper ends as viewed in FIG. 9) of the second-lens-group zooming section C1Z2 determines a telephoto extremity Z2T and a wide-angle extremity Z2W of the second lens group L2, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 8 through 10, the width of each of the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 and the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 in the optical axis direction is greater than the width of each the first-lens-group zooming section C1Z1 and the second-lens-group zooming section C1Z2 so that the associated follower pins 18 f and 19 f can move freely in the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 and the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2, respectively. Namely, the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 extends in a circumferential direction of the cam ring 15, and also widens in the optical axis direction to form a clearance for the associated follower pin 18 f of the first lens group moving frame 18 to be movable in the optical axis direction by an amount of movement corresponding to the range of adjustment of the thread engagement position of the male thread portion of the first lens frame 20 with respect to the female thread portion 18 d of the inner flange 18 b. On the other hand, the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 extends in both a circumferential direction of the cam ring 15 and the optical axis direction to form a substantially triangular area to form a clearance for the associated follower pin 19 f or the second lens group moving frame 19 to be movable freely and widely in both the circumferential direction of the cam ring 15 and the optical axis direction within the triangular area.

[0080] The relative angular positions of the set of three follower pins 18 f and the set of three follower pins 19 f about the optical axis O are determined so that each follower pin 18 f and each follower pin 19 f are respectively positioned in the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 and the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 when the cam ring 15 is positioned in an accommodation position thereof. The first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 and the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2, to some extent, do not constrain movement of the associated follower pins 18 f and 19 f, respectively. Namely, each follower pin 18 f and each follower pin 19 f can move in the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 and the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2, respectively, in the optical axis direction because of the clearance formed between each groove portion and the associated follower pin. This clearance contributes to further miniaturization of the length of the zoom lens barrel 1 in an accommodation state thereof (i.e., the distance between the first lens group moving frame 18 and the second lens group moving frame 19 in the optical axis direction can be minimized since both moving frames 18 and 19 are released from positioning restrictions of the cam grooves and cam followers thereof). The amount of clearance formed between the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 and the associated follower pin 18 f is sufficient to absorb a variation in position of the associated follower pin 18 f which is caused by an adjustment of the thread engagement position of the male thread portion of the first lens frame 20 with respect to the female thread portion 18 d of the inner flange 18 b in an accommodation state of the zoom lens barrel 1.

[0081] The inner flange 17 c of the inner ring 17 is provided with a set of three engaging protrusions 17 g (only one of which appears in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5) arranged at different angular positions in a circumferential direction of the inner ring 17. The first lens group moving frame 18 is provided with a set of three recesses 18 g to correspond to the set of three engaging protrusions 17 g. Three helical compression springs 30 serving as a biasing device are inserted to be held between the set of three engaging protrusions 17 g and the set of three recesses 18 g, respectively, to press the first lens group moving frame 18 rearwards in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the first lens frame 20, which is supported by the first lens group moving frame 18, can retract up to a mechanical contacting point P (see FIGS. 5 and 6) where the first lens frame 20 comes in contact with the light shield ring 19 c of the second lens group moving frame 19 due to the clearance between the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 of each lens-drive cam groove C1 of the cam ring 15 and the associated follower pin 18 f of the first lens group moving frame 18. By providing the helical compression springs 30, which have a small length, in between the inner ring 17 and the first lens group moving frame 18, the relative movement between the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19 can be reduced, however, even if the helicoid compression springs 30 are not provided, the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19 can still retract up so that the first lens frame 20 contacts the mechanical contacting point P. Likewise, the second lens group moving frame 19 can retract up to a mechanically contacting point Q (see FIGS. 5 and 6) where the second lens group moving frame 19 comes in contact with the third lens frame 22 due to a clearance between the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 of each lens-drive cam groove C1 of the cam ring 15 and the associated follower pin 19 f of the second lens group moving frame 19. Due to such structures of the mechanical contacting points P and Q, the length of the zoom lens barrel 1 in an accommodation state thereof is successfully reduced as compared with a conventional zoom lens barrel in which the respective accommodation positions of first and second lens groups which correspond to the first and second lens groups L1 and L2 of the present embodiment of the zoom lens barrel are precisely determined by associated cam grooves. Furthermore, the third lens frame 22 can retract up to a mechanical contacting point R where it comes in contact with the housing 11 while compressing a helical compression spring 23 (see FIGS. 1 and 4), which is positioned between the third lens frame 22 and the housing 11 to press the third lens frame 22, forward. The axial cross sectional view of the zoom lens barrel 1 above the optical axis O in each of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 shows an accommodation state of the zoom lens barrel 1 where the first lens frame 20 is in contact with the light shield ring 19 c of the second lens group moving frame 19, where the second lens group moving frame 19 is in contact with the third lens frame 22, and where the third lens frame 22 is in contact with the housing 11. The amount of rearward movement of the first lens group moving frame 18 relative to the second lens group moving frame 19 depends on the position of the first lens frame relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 because the position of the first lens frame 20 relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 varies by an adjustment of the thread engagement position of the male thread portion of the first lens frame 20 with respect to the female thread portion 18 d of the inner flange 18 b during assembly. Such a variation due to the adjustment is absorbed by extension or compression of the helical compression springs 30 so that the zoom lens barrel 1 can be accommodated with the first lens frame 20, the second lens group moving frame 19 and the third lens frame 22 being in contact with the light shield ring 19 c, the third lens frame 22 and the housing 11 at the mechanically contacting points P, Q and R, respectively.

[0082] If the cam ring 15 rotates in a direction from the accommodation position toward a ready-to-photograph position in a zooming section between the telephoto extremity Z1T and the wide-angle extremity Z1W thereof, each follower pin 18 f of the first lens group moving frame 18 which is engaged in the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 moves from the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 to the first-lens-group zooming section C1Z1 via the second-lens-group zooming section C1Z2, while each follower pin 19 f of the second lens group moving frame 19 which is engaged in the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 moves from the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 to the second-lens-group zooming section C1Z2 via the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1. Accordingly, the second-lens-group zooming sections C1Z2 of the set of three lens-drive cam grooves C1 that are used for driving the set of three follower pins 19 f of the second lens group moving frame 19 are used as mere passing sections for the set of three follower pins 18 f of the first lens group moving frame 18 via which the set of three follower pins 18 f move from the first-lens-group accommodation position to the ready-to-photograph position. The above-described structure which provides such passing sections is advantageous to reduce the number of cam grooves which are to be formed on the cam ring 15, which is in turn advantageous to reduce the angle of inclination of each cam groove with respect to a circumferential direction of the cam ring 15.

[0083] The inner ring 17 moves in the optical axis direction independent of the first lens group moving frame 18 in a moving path which is substantially identical to the moving path of the first lens group moving frame 18. Accordingly, the cam ring 15 is provided, on an outer peripheral surface at equi-intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, with a set of three cam grooves C2. The inner ring 17 is provided, on an inner peripheral surface at equi-intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, with a set of three follower pins 17 f (only one of them appears in FIG. 5) which are slidably engaged in the set of three cam grooves C2 of the cam ring 15, respectively. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the profiles of the cam grooves C2 resemble those of the lens-drive cam grooves C1. As shown in FIG. 8, each cam groove C2 is provided at one end thereof with an insertion end C2 e via which one of the three follower pins 17f of the inner ring 17 is inserted into the cam groove C2. Each cam groove C2 is further provided with a first section C2Z1 which corresponds to the first-lens-group zooming section C1Z1, a second section C2Z2 which corresponds to the second-lens-group zooming section C1Z2, and a barrier drive section C2B. The barrier drive section C2B extends in a circumferential direction; of the cam ring 15, so that the cam ring 15 rotates about the optical axis O without moving in the optical axis direction relative to the inner ring 17 as long as each follower pin 17 f is engaged in the barrier drive section C2B. As can be clearly seen in FIG. 8, the set of three lens-drive cam grooves C1 and the set of three cam grooves C2 are formed on the cam ring 15 at slightly different positions in the optical axis direction, while the set of three follower pins 17 f that are respectively engaged in the set of three cam grooves C2 and the set of three follower pins 18 f that are respectively engaged in the set of three lens-drive cam grooves C1 are respectively aligned side by side in a direction parallel to the optical axis O.

[0084] By providing the inner ring 17, which extends forward so that an outer peripheral surface thereof is exposed to the outside of the zoom lens barrel 1, as an element separate from the first lens group moving frame 18, and by guiding the inner ring 17 in the optical axis direction via a cam mechanism independent of the first lens group moving frame 18 as described above, external forces applied to the inner ring 17 can be prevented from being transferred to the first lens group L1 via the first lens group moving frame 18, which in turn prevents deterioration in optical performance of the zoom lens barrel 1 due to eccentricity of the optical axis of the first lens group L1. In addition, the structure of the cam ring 15 wherein the set of three lens-drive cam grooves C1 and the set of three cam grooves C2, whose cam profiles are similar (though differing slightly in shape) to each other, are formed on the cam ring 15 in slightly different positions thereon in the optical axis direction does not increase the wall thickness of the cam ring 15; moreover, external forces applied to the inner ring 17 in a direction radially inwards can be received by the first lens group moving frame 18 via the set of three follower pins 18 f (i.e. the strength of the whole zoom lens barrel 1 can be reinforced). Furthermore, since the set of three follower pins 17 f and the set of three follower pins 18 f are respectively aligned side by side in a direction parallel to the optical axis O, the strength of the spring force of the three helical compression springs 30 that are held between the inner ring 17 and the first lens group moving frame 18 to bias the inner ring 17 and the first lens group moving frame 18 in opposite directions away from each other varies little even if the cam ring 15 rotates relative to the inner ring 17 and the first lens group moving frame 18. Namely, since the direction of the helical compression springs 30 and aligned direction of the cam followers 17 f and 18 f are same and are parallel to the optical axis O, backlash with the cam grooves C1 and the cam followers 17 f and backlash with the cam grooves C2 and cam followers 18 f are absorbed by the helical compression springs 30, and accordingly, the optical performance of the zoom lens can be reliably maintained wherever the cam followers 17 f and 18 f are positioned in the cam-grooves C1 and C2 respectively.

[0085] The barrier unit 40 is fixed to an inner surface of the main ring body 17 r to be positioned therein. The barrier drive ring 31 is positioned in the inner ring 17 and held between the barrier unit 40 and the inner flange 17 c of the inner ring 17 to be rotatable freely about the optical axis O. The cam ring 15 is provided at the front end thereof with a set of three recesses 15 k. The barrier drive ring 31 is provided on an outer peripheral surface thereof with a set of three engaging portions 31 a. The cam ring 15 is provided at one end (upper end as viewed in FIG. 8) of each recesses 15 k with a rotation transfer face 15 d which extends parallel to the optical axis O and extends through a corresponding opening 17 z (see FIG. 7) provided on a circumferential portion of the inner flange 17 c. If the cam ring 15 rotates about the optical axis O in a barrier closing direction (clockwise as viewed from the front of the zoom lens barrel 1) with respect to the inner ring 17 with the set of three follower pins 17 f being respectively engaged within the barrier drive sections C2B of the set of three cam grooves C2 of the cam ring 15, the three rotation transfer faces 15 d firstly come into contact with the three engaging portions 31 a of the barrier drive ring 31 and subsequently press the three engaging portions 31 a to give a rotational force to the barrier drive ring 31 to close a pair of barrier blades 42, respectively. As shown in FIG. 8, the set of three recesses 15 k are formed on the cam ring 15 at portions thereon other than the portions where the three lens-drive cam grooves C1 and the three cam grooves C2 are formed.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 14, the barrier unit 40 is provided with a barrier blade support front plate 41, the pair of barrier blades 42, two torsion springs 43 and a barrier blade support rear plate 44, and is formed as a single assembly in advance. The barrier blade support front plate 41 is provided at the center thereof with a substantially rectangular photographing aperture 41 a, and is further provided, on an rear surface thereof on opposite sides of the photographing aperture 41 a, with two bosses 41 b, respectively, which extend rearwards. Each barrier blade 42 is provided at one end thereof with a hole in which one of the two bosses 41 b is engaged so that each barrier blade 42 is rotatable about the associated boss 41 b. The two torsion springs 43 bias the pair of barrier blades 42 to rotate in opposite rotational directions to shut the pair of barrier blades 42, respectively. The pair of barrier blades 42 are supported between the barrier blade support front plate 41 and the barrier blade support rear plate 44. The barrier blade support rear plate 44 is provided at the center thereof with a central aperture 44 b (see FIG. 2) thereof which is aligned with the photographing aperture 41 a in the optical axis direction, and is further provided on opposite sides of the central aperture with two slots 44 a. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, each barrier blade 42 is provided in the vicinity of the associated boss 41 b with an engaging projection 42 a which extends rearward, toward the barrier drive ring 31, to pass through the associated slot 44 a of the barrier blade support rear plate 44. The barrier drive ring 31 is provided on left and right sides of a central opening thereof with two drive projections 31 c which are respectively engaged with the two engaging projections 42 a of the pair of barrier blades 42. FIG. 12 shows the pair of barrier blades 42 with chain lines in a closed state thereof, and FIG. 13 shows the pair of barrier blades 42 with chain lines in a fully open state thereof. FIG. 14 shows fundamental elements of the barrier unit 40 with the barrier blade support front plate 41 removed.

[0087] The barrier drive ring 31 is biased to rotate in a direction to open the pair of barrier blades 42 by a helical extension spring 45 whose opposite ends are hooked on an engaging projection 31 b formed on the barrier drive ring 31 and an engaging projection 17 h formed on a front surface of the inner flange 17 c of the inner ring 17. The spring force of the helical extension spring 45 is greater than the total spring force of the two torsion springs 43. The two drive projections 31 c of the barrier drive ring 31 come into contact with the two engaging projections 42 a of the pair of barrier blades 42 to open the pair of barrier blades 42, respectively, when the barrier drive ring 31 is in a fully rotated position thereof by the spring force of the helical extension spring 45 (see FIG. 13). If the barrier drive ring 31 is rotated in a direction to close the pair of barrier blades 42 against the spring force of the helical extension spring 45, the two drive projections 31 c respectively move away from the two engaging projections 42 a of the pair of barrier blades 42 so that the pair of barrier blades 42 are closed by the spring force of the two torsion springs 43 (see FIG. 12).

[0088] The three rotation transfer faces 15 d of the cam ring 15 respectively come into contact with the three engaging portions 31 a of the barrier drive ring 31 to press the three engaging portions 31 a against the spring force of the helical extension spring 45 to rotate the barrier drive ring 31. When the cam ring 15 is in the accommodation position thereof, the three rotation transfer faces 15 d are respectively in contact with the three engaging portions 31 a of the barrier drive ring 31 via three through-slots 17 z formed on the inner flange 17 c of the inner ring 17. The barrier drive ring 31 is rotated about the optical axis O against the spring force of the helical extension spring 45 to close the pair of barrier blades 42. If the cam ring 15 rotates about the optical axis Q in a barrier opening direction (counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the zoom lens barrel 1) with respect to the inner ring 17 with the set of three follower pins 17 f being respectively engaged within the barrier drive sections C2B of the set of three cam grooves C2 of the cam ring 15, the three rotation transfer faces 15 d are respectively disengaged from the three engaging portions 31 a of the barrier drive ring 31 so that the barrier drive ring 31 is rotated in a direction to open the pair of barrier blades 42 by the spring force of the helical extension spring 45.

[0089]FIG. 16 shows the movement of the three rotation transfer faces 15 d of the cam ring 15 in the case where the cam ring 15 rotates so that each follower pin 15 b, which is engaged in the associated cam slot 13 b of the stationary ring 13, moves from the linear slot portion 13 b 1 to the state-changing slot portion 13 b 2 of the associated cam slot 13 b, i.e., from the accommodation position to the preparation section (see FIG. 11). Due to the engagement of the set of three follower pins 15 b of the cam ring 15 with the set of three cam slots 13 b and the set of three rotation transfer grooves 14 a, the cam ring 15 firstly rotates about the optical axis O while moving in the optical axis direction (each rotation transfer face 15 d moves from a position “1-1” to a position “4-4” via positions “2-2” and “3-3” in FIG. 16), and subsequently rotates about the optical axis O without moving in the optical axis direction (each rotation transfer face 15 d moves from the position “4-4” to a position “5-5” in FIG. 16). When moving from the position “4-4” to the position “5-5”, the three rotation transfer faces 15 d of the cam ring 15 are respectively disengaged from the three engaging portions 31 a of the barrier drive ring 31 to thereby open the pair of barrier blades 42 by the spring force of the helical extension spring 45. Conversely, if the cam ring 15 rotates so that each follower pin 15 b moves from the preparation section to the accommodation position, the movement of each rotation transfer face 15 d from the position “5-5” to the position “4-4” causes the pair of barrier blades 42 to close.

[0090] Each of the pair of barrier blades 42 is formed as a substantially plane plate, and is provided on a rear face thereof with a semi-circular concave face 42 b (see FIGS. 5, 6 and 17) so that the rear face of each barrier blade 42 does not come in contact with a frontmost surface (convex surface) L1 r of the first lens group L1. The two semi-circular concave faces 42 b together form a circular concave face the shape of which corresponds to the shape of a central portion of the convex frontmost surface L1 r of the first lens group L1 in a state where the pair of barrier blades 42 are closed. The curvature of each semi-circular concave face 42 b is determined to corresponds to the curvature of the frontmost surface L1 r of the first lens group L1. The concave faces 42 b of the pair of barrier blades 42 make it possible to retreat the inner ring 17 to a rearward limit when the inner ring 17 is accommodated. The concave face 42 b is formed on each barrier blade 42 when the barrier blades 42 are molded of synthetic resin.

[0091] After the reinforcing ring 17 x is fitted on and adhered to the main ring body 17 r, the barrier unit 40 having the above described structure is fitted into the reinforcing ring 17 x from the front thereof. The barrier blade support front plate 41 is provided on an outer peripheral edge thereof with a plurality of engaging portions which are respectively engaged with a corresponding plurality of hooks formed on an inner peripheral surface of the main ring body 17 r in front of the inner flange 17 c to prevent the barrier unit 40 from coming off the front of the inner ring 17. The barrier drive ring 31 is held between the barrier unit 40 and the inner flange 17 c of the inner ring 17 to be rotatable about the optical axis O. The main ring body 17 r, which is made of synthetic resin, is provided, at the front end thereof on opposite sides of the central circular opening of the main ring body 17 r, with two, cutout portions 17 k (see FIG. 14) in which respective outer edges of the pair of barrier blades 42 enter when the pair of barrier blades 42 are fully opened as shown in FIG. 14. The radially outer ends of the two cutout portions 17 k are fully covered by the reinforcing ring 17 x. The main body ring 17 r can be provided with the two cutout portions 17 k each formed as a through hole in a radial direction of the inner ring 17 due to the structure wherein the inner ring 17 is constructed from two separate elements: the synthetic-resin-made main body ring 17 r and the metal reinforcing ring 17 x. Conventionally, if a set of barrier blades such as the pair of barrier blades 42 of the zoom lens barrel 1 is designed to consist of four blades, the total thickness of the four blades in the optical axis direction increases though the radial width of each blade is reduced. Conversely, if the set of barrier blades is designed to consist of one or two barrier blades, though the total thickness of the blade or blades in the optical axis direction is reduced, the radial width of each blade increases. However, in the present embodiment of the zoom lens barrel 1, the formation of the two cutout portions 17 k on the main body ring 17 r that serve as recesses for the pair of barrier blades 42 contributes to further miniaturization of the diameter of the inner ring 17 without increasing the total thickness of the barrier blades 42 in the optical axis direction.

[0092] As has been described above, the zooming slot portion 13 b 3 of each cam slot 13 b of the stationary ring 13 extends in a circumferential direction of the stationary ring 13 and does not extend in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the set of three follower pins 15 b of the cam ring 15 rotate about the optical axis O without moving in the optical axis direction when following the zooming slot portions 13 b 3 of the set of three cam slots 13 b in the zooming section (see FIG. 11). The zoom lens barrel 1 is provided between the housing 11 and the rotatable ring 14 with a biasing ring 32 which is fitted on a front part of the rotatable ring 14 to remove backlash and play between the set of three follower pins 15 b and the zooming slot portions 13 b 3 of the set of three cam slots 13 b. The biasing ring 32 and the rotatable ring 14 are provided with three hooks 32 a and corresponding three hooks 14 c, respectively. Opposite ends of three helical extension springs 33 are hooked on the three hooks 32 a and the three hooks 14 c, respectively, to constantly bias the biasing ring 32 rearwards in the optical axis direction. The biasing ring 32 is provided, on an inner peripheral surface thereof at equi-angular intervals in a circumferential direction of the biasing ring 32, with a set of three inward projections 32 c which extend radially inwards, while the rotatable ring 14 is provided in the vicinity of the front end thereof with a corresponding set of three through-slots 14 d which extend parallel to the optical axis O so that the set of three inward projections 32 c penetrate the rotatable ring 14 via the set of three through-slots 14 d in radially inward directions, respectively. The set of three through-slots 14 d are formed on the rotatable ring 14 so as to be communicatively connected in front portions of the set of three rotation transfer grooves 14 a to penetrate therethrough, so that the set of three inward projections 32 c are positioned in front of the set of three follower pins 15 b that are engaged in the set of three rotation transfer grooves 14 a, respectively. If each follower pin 15 b of the cam ring 15 moves from the state-changing slot portion 13 b 2 to the zooming slot portion 13 b 3, respective rear faces of the set of three inward projections 32 c come into pressing contact with the set of three follower pins 15 b to press each follower pin 15 b rearward in the optical axis direction against the rear side edge of the associated zooming slot portion 13 b 3 to thereby remove backlash and play between the set of three follower pins 15 b and the zooming slot portions 13 b 3 of the set of three cam slots 13 b.

[0093] In addition to the above described structures wherein the set of three linear guide grooves 18 c are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the first lens group moving frame 18 while the set of three linear guide keys 19 a, which are respectively engaged in the set of three linear guide grooves 18 c, are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the second lens group moving frame 19, the aforementioned set of three circumferential recesses 18 h are formed on the first lens group moving frame 18 at the front ends of the set of three linear guide grooves 18 c, respectively. Each circumferential recess 18 h allows the associated linear guide key 19 a of the second lens group moving frame 19 to move therein in a circumferential direction about the optical axis O, i.e., allows the second lens group moving frame 19 to rotate about the optical axis O relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 in a range corresponding to the circumferential length of the circumferential recess 18 h. The second lens group moving frame 19 can rotate about the optical axis O relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 along the three circumferential recesses 18 h only when the second lens group moving frame 19 is in the vicinity of the accommodation position thereof. The first lens group moving frame 18 is provided on the inner flange 18 b thereof with a set of three circumferential slots 18 j (see FIGS. 3 and 6). The second lens group moving frame 19 is provided at the front end thereof with a set of three front projecting portions 19 e on respective outer surfaces of which the three linear guide keys 19 a are formed, respectively. When each linear guide key 19 a is positioned in the associated circumferential recess 18 h, i.e., when the second lens group L2 is in the vicinity of the accommodation position thereof, the set of three front projecting portions 19 e of the second lens group moving frame 19 penetrate through (extend through) the inner flange 18 b of the first lens group moving frame 18 to project forward from the inner flange 18 b via the set of three circumferential slots 18 j, respectively. Accordingly, by allowing the three linear guide keys 19 a to project forward from the inner flange 18 b through the three circumferential slots 18 j, respectively, the length in the optical axis direction of the three linear guide grooves 18 c and the circumferential recesses 18 h which reliably carry out the engaging and disengaging of the three linear guide keys 19 a with the three linear guide grooves 18 c, and the amount of movement of the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19 in the optical axis direction can be maintained without increasing the combined length of the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19 at the accommodation positions thereof. At this time, the three linear guide keys 19 a are loosely fitted in the three circumferential slots 18 j. The reason why the second lens group moving frame 19 is allowed to rotate relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 along the three circumferential recesses 18 h only when the second lens group moving frame 19 is in the vicinity of the accommodation position thereof will be hereinafter discussed.

[0094] In a state where the zoom lens barrel 1 is in an accommodation state, i.e., where each of the set of three follower pins 18 f of the first lens group moving frame 18 is engaged in the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 of the associated lens-drive cam groove C1, a rotation of the cam ring 15 in a direction to extend the zoom lens barrel 1 (in a direction indicated by an arrow “X” in FIG. 10, i.e., counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the zoom lens barrel 1) causes each follower pin 18 f of the first lens group moving frame 18 to move from the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 to the second-lens-group zooming section C1Z2 of the associated lens-drive cam groove C1, to thereby cause the first lens group moving frame 18 to move forward in the optical axis direction. Such a movement of each follower pin 18 f of the first lens group moving frame 18 is indicated stepwise by first, second, third and fourth positions “1 a”, “2 a”, “3 a” and “4 a” in FIG. 10. Likewise, the corresponding movement of each follower pin 19 f of the second lens group moving frame 19 is indicated stepwise by first, second, third and fourth positions “1 b”, “2 b”, “3 b” and “4 b” in FIG. 10, while the corresponding movement of each linear guide key 19 a of the second lens group moving frame 19 is indicated stepwise by first, second, third and fourth positions “1 c”, “2 c”, “3 c” and “4 c” in FIG. 10.

[0095] In addition, such a rotation of the cam ring 15 in the direction X shown in FIG. 10 causes each follower pin 19 f of the second lens group moving frame 19 which is positioned in the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 of the associated lens-drive cam groove C1 to move from the position “1 b” to the position “2 b”in the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 to come into contact with surface XX of an inclined side edge β of the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 which is inclined with respect to a circumferential direction of the cam ring 15. The position “2 b” in the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 is positioned on the inclined side edge β of the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2.

[0096] A further rotational movement of the cam ring 15 in the same direction X causes each follower pin 19 f of the second lens group moving frame 19 to slide on the surface XX of the inclined side edge β in a direction inclined to both the optical axis direction and the circumferential direction of the cam ring 15 in a manner such as the following.

[0097] At this time, each linear guide key 19 a is in contact with a side surface (the lower surface as viewed in FIG. 10) of the associated circumferential recess 18 h of the first lens group moving frame 18 (see the position “2 c” of the linear guide key 19 a shown in FIG. 10). Therefore, a forward movement of the first lens group moving frame 18 in the optical axis direction causes the first lens group moving frame 18 to push the second lens group moving frame 19 forward in the optical axis direction via the circumferential recesses 18 h and the set of three linear guide keys 19 a, and at the same time, causes the second lens group moving frame 19 to rotate about the optical axis O relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 due to the sliding movement of each follower pin 19 f of the second lens group moving frame 19 on the surface XX of the inclined side edge β from the position “2 b” to the position “3 b”. Namely, each linear guide key 19 a moves from the associated circumferential recess 18 h toward the associated linear guide groove 18 c while sliding on the side surface (the lower surface as viewed in FIG. 10) of the associated circumferential recess 18 h.

[0098] Accordingly, if the second lens group moving frame 19 is rotated relative to the first lens group moving frame 18, the first lens group moving frame 18 can move forward smoothly without interfering with the second lens group moving frame 19.

[0099] Thereafter, each linear guide key 19 a comes into contact with a side edge (the right side edge as viewed in FIG. 10) of the associated linear guide groove 18 c of the first lens group moving frame 18 to thereby stop the rotation of the second lens group moving frame 19 (see the position “3 c”). At this time, each linear guide key 19 a is ready to enter the associated linear guide groove 18 c of the first lens group moving frame 18, so that a further forward movement of the first lens group moving frame 18 causes the set of three linear guide key 19 a to enter the set of three linear guide grooves 18 c, respectively. After the set of three linear guide keys 19 a have respectively entered the set of three linear guide grooves 18 c, the second lens group moving frame 19 is prevented from rotating about the optical axis O relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 by engagement of each linear guide key 19 a with the associated linear guide groove 18 c, while each follower pin 19 f of the second lens group moving frame 19 slides on the surface XX of the inclined side edge β from the position “3 b” to “4 b”, which causes the second lens group moving frame 19 to move linearly in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the first lens group moving frame 18 (see the position “4 b” in FIG. 10).

[0100] Further rotational movement of the cam ring 15 causes each follower pin 19 f of the second lens group moving frame 19 to enter the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 of the associated lens-drive cam groove C1. Thereafter, if the cam ring 15 rotates in the direction X, the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19 move linearly in the optical axis direction in accordance with the respective sections of the set of three lens-drive cam grooves C1 while the second lens group moving frame 19 is guided linearly in the optical axis direction by the first lens group moving frame 18. As can be understood from the above description, the substantially triangular shaped second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 of each lens-drive cam groove C1 not only secures a clearance for the associated follower pin 19 f to be movable freely in both the circumferential direction of the cam ring 15 and the optical axis direction within the triangular area, but also makes the second lens group moving frame 19 rotate relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 to lead each linear guide key 19 a to a position so as to be engaged in the associated linear guide groove 18 c. Moreover, the substantially triangular shaped second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 of each lens-drive cam groove C1 allows the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19 move in opposite directions in the optical axis direction to ensure the proper engagement of the first lens group moving frame 18 with the second lens group moving frame 19.

[0101] On the other hand, in a state where the zoom lens barrel 1 is in a ready-to-photograph state, if the cam ring 15 rotates in a direction to retract the zoom lens barrel 1, i.e., in a direction opposite to the direction X, each follower pin 18 f and each follower pin 19 f return to the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 and the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2, respectively.

[0102] The movement of each follower pin will be hereinafter discussed in detail. After passing the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1, each follower pin 19 f slides on the surface of a rear side edge a of the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 to move rightward with respect to FIG. 10. Upon reaching a position on the surface of the rear side edge α immediately before an end α1 (the upper end as viewed in FIG. 9) thereof, each linear guide key 19 a comes out of the associated linear guide groove 18 c to enter the associated circumferential recess 18 h, to thereby allow rotation of the second lens group moving frame 19 relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 possible. Thereafter, each follower pin 19 f reaches the end α1 of the rear side edge α to rotate about the optical axis O together with the cam ring 15, namely, the second lens group moving frame 19 rotates about the optical axis O relative to the first lens group moving frame 18. Thereafter, since the cam ring 15 retreats in the optical axis direction (in the rightward direction with respect to FIG. 9) due to the engagement of the set of three follower pins 15 b with the linear slot portions 13 b 1 of the set of three cam slots 13 b of the stationary ring 13, each follower pin 19 f finally reaches a terminal α2 in the vicinity of the end α1 of the rear side edge α. In this manner, the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19 move to the respective accommodation positions smoothly.

[0103] Assuming that the second lens group moving frame 19 is moved to the accommodation position thereof with the second lens group moving frame 19 being guided only linearly in the optical axis direction in a manner similar to that of the first lens group moving frame 18, each of the three lens-drive cam grooves C1 has to be formed longer in a circumferential direction of the cam ring 15 (i.e., in an upward direction from the end α1 of the rear side edge a as viewed in FIG. 9). However, if the set of three lens-drive cam grooves C1 are simply formed longer, theses grooves interfere with other cam grooves (e.g., the cam grooves C2). To prevent this problem from occurring, the diameter of the cam ring 15 has to be increased. However, according to the present embodiment of the zoom lens barrel 1, the portion of each of the three lens-drive cam groove C1 which is used to accommodate the second lens group moving frame 19 can be designed short in a circumferential direction of the cam ring 15 within a range in which none of the three lens-drive cam grooves C1 interfere with other cam grooves. This contributes to further miniaturization of the diameter of the cam ring 15.

[0104] Since the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 of each lens-drive cam groove C1 is formed having a substantially triangular shape, each lens-drive cam groove C1 is successfully formed as a short cam groove, which would need to be longer if formed as a linear cam groove. In addition, by forming each lens-drive cam groove C1 as a short groove in such a manner, the set of three lens-drive cam grooves C1 can be formed on the cam ring 15 with little inclination with respect to the circumferential direction of the cam ring 15. Additionally, when the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19 move forward from the respective accommodation positions in the optical axis direction, each follower pin 19 f moves in the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 from the position “1 b” to the position “4 b” via the positions “2 b” and “3 b” in the above described manner while the second lens group moving frame 19 rotates about the optical axis O relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 because each lens-drive cam groove C1 is provided with the substantially triangular shape second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2.

[0105]FIG. 15 shows the variation in the respective axial positions of first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19 in a range of movement including a zooming section (between telephoto extremity and wide-angle extremity) and a retracting section (between wide-angle extremity and accommodation position). As can be understood from FIG. 15, the axial position of the first lens group moving frame 18 corresponds to the rotational position (angular position) of the cam ring 15 about the optical axis O due to the profile of each lens-drive cam groove C1, while the second lens group moving frame 19 rotates about the optical axis O relative to the cam ring 15 in a range R shown in FIG. 15.

[0106] Friction produced between the light shield ring 19 c of the second lens group moving frame 19 and the first lens frame 20 becomes a problem if the second lens group moving frame 19 rotates relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 in the accommodation position because the first lens frame 20, which is supported by the first lens group moving frame 18, is in contact with the light shield ring 19 c at the mechanically contacting point P (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Such friction may cause the first lens frame 20 to rotate relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 to thereby deviate in the optical axis direction relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 because the male thread portion of the first lens frame 20 is in mesh with the female thread portion 18 d of the inner flange 18 b. To prevent such deviation of the axial position of the first lens frame 20 from occurring, the light shield ring 19 c is provided, on a front surface thereof with which a rear face of the first lens frame 20 comes into contact, with a low-frictional sheet (low-frictional portion) 26 (see FIGS. 5,: 6 and 7) which can be made of, e.g., a tetrafluoroethylene resin.

[0107] The overall movement of the zoom lens barrel 1, having the above described structure, from the accommodation position to a ready-to-photograph position (a position in the zooming section) will be hereinafter discussed. When the zoom lens barrel 1 is in an accommodation state, the first lens frame 20 which is supported by the first lens group moving frame 18, which is biased rearward by the three helical compression springs 30, is retracted to the mechanically contacting point P where the first lens frame 20 comes in contact with the light shield ring 19 c of the second lens group moving frame 19 due to the clearance between the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 of each lens-drive cam groove C1 of the cam ring 15 and the associated follower pin 18 f of the first lens group moving frame 18. The second lens group moving frame 19 is also retracted to the mechanically contacting point Q where the second lens group moving frame 19 comes in contact with the third lens frame 22 due to the clearance between the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 of each lens-drive cam groove C1 of the cam ring 15 and the associated follower pin 19 f of the second lens group moving frame 19. Furthermore, the third lens frame 22 is retracted to the mechanically contacting point R wherein the third lens frame 22 comes in contact with the housing 11 by the spring force of the helical compression spring 23 which presses the third lens frame 22 forward with these three mechanical contacts at the mechanically contacting points P, Q and R, the length of the zoom lens barrel 1 in an accommodation state of the zoom lens barrel 1 is successfully reduced. When the zoom lens barrel 1 is in an accommodation state, the pair of barrier blades 42 are closed to shut the photographing aperture 41 a (see FIG. 12), since the three rotation transfer faces 15 d respectively press the three engaging portions 31 a of the barrier drive ring 31 against the spring force of the helical extension spring 4S to rotate the barrier drive ring 31 in a direction to move the two drive projections 31 c away from the two engaging projections 42 a of the pair of barrier blades 42, respectively.

[0108] In the accommodation state of the zoom lens barrel 1, if the rotatable ring 14 rotates in a direction to extend the zoom lens barrel 1 relative to the stationary ring 13, the cam ring 15 which is provided with the set of three follower pins 15 b, moves in the optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis O due to the engagement of the follower pins 15 b of the cam ring 15 with the inclined groove portions 14 a 2 of the rotatable ring 14 and the linear slot portions 13 b 1 of the stationary ring 13 (see FIG. 11). This linear movement of the cam ring 15 causes a side edge of the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 of each lens-drive cam groove C1 to push the associated follower pin 18 f forward, and at the same time, causes a side edge of the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 of each lens-drive cam groove C1 to push the associated follower pin 19 f forward. As a result, the first lens frame 20 and the second lens group moving frame 19 (the light shield ring 19 c) which are in contact with each other at the mechanically contacting point P move linearly forward to release the contact therebetween, while the second lens group moving frame 19 which is in contact with the third lens frame 22 at the mechanically contacting point Q moves forward linearly to release the contact between the second lens group moving frame 19-with the third lens group L3.

[0109] If the rotatable ring 14 further rotates in the same direction to extend the zoom lens barrel 1 relative to the stationary ring 13, the cam ring 15 moves in the optical axis direction while rotating about the optical axis O due to the engagement of the follower pins 15 of the cam ring 15 with the linear groove portions 14 a 1 of the rotatable ring 14 and the state-changing slot portions 13 b 2 of the stationary ring 13; until the rotatable ring 14 reaches the zooming section. In an early state of this rotation of the cam ring 15 by the state-changing slot portions 13 b 2 of he stationary ring 13, the three rotation transfer faces 15 d of the cam ring 15 are respectively disengaged from the three engaging portions 31 a of the barrier drive ring 31 so that the barrier drive ring 31 is rotated in a direction to open the pair of barrier blades 42 by the spring force of the helical extension spring 45 against the spring force of the two torsion springs 43. Accordingly, the second lens group moving frame 19 rotates about the optical axis O relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 so that the first lens frame 20 slides on the low-frictional sheet 26 before and after the opening operation of the pair of barrier blades 42.

[0110] When each follower pin 15 b of the cam ring 15 reaches the zooming slot portion 13 b 3 of the associated cam slot 13 b by rotation of the rotatable ring 14 in the same rotational direction, rear faces (contacting surfaces) 32 b of the set of three inward projections 32 c of the biasing ring 32 come into contact with the set of three follower pins 15 b of the cam ring 15, respectively (see the zoom lens barrel 1 below the optical axis O in FIG. 7). Each follower pin 15 b is pressed against the rear side edge of the zooming slot portion 13 b 3 of the associated cam slot 13 b by the rear face 32 b of the associated inward projection 32 c since the biasing ring 32 is biased rearward by the three helical extension springs 33. This state is maintained as long as each follower pin 15 b is engaged in the zooming slot portion 13 b 3 of the associated cam slot 13 b, while backlash and play of the cam ring 15 with respect to the stationary barrel 13 is removed as long as the cam ring 15 rotates within the zooming section shown in FIG. 11 via the rotatable ring 14.

[0111] If the cam ring 15 rotates in a direction from the accommodation rotational position to the zooming section via the preparation section (i.e., in the barrier opening direction), each follower pin 18 f of the first lens group moving frame 18 which is engaged in the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 moves from the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1 to the first-lens-group zooming section C1Z1 via the second-lens-group zooming section C1Z2, while each follower pin 19 f of the second lens group moving frame 19 which is engaged in the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 moves from the second-lens-group accommodation section C1A2 to the second-lens-group zooming section C1Z2 via the first-lens-group accommodation section C1A1. If the cam ring 15 rotates in the zooming range (i.e., in the first-lens-group zooming section C1Z1 and the second-lens-group zooming section C1Z2), the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19 (the first and second lens groups L1 and L2) move in the optical axis direction in respective zoom paths thereof in accordance with the profiles of the first-lens-group zooming section C1Z1 and the second-lens-group zooming section C1Z2, to thereby vary the focal length of the photographing optical system which includes the first, second and third lens groups L1, L2 and, L3, i.e., to perform a zooming operation. This zooming operation is carried out by manually operating a conventional zoom switch (not shown). Immediately after a release button is depressed, the aforementioned step motor (not shown), which drives feed screw 24 to move the third lens frame 22 (the third lens group L3), rotates by an amount of rotation corresponding to information on a photographing distance to move the third lens group L to bring an object into focus. The shutter unit 21 drives the shutter blades 21 a to open and close in accordance with the information on the object brightness.

[0112] If the first lens group moving frame 18 moves linearly in the optical axis direction, the inner ring 17 also moves in the optical axis direction without varying the position thereof relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 due to the engagement of the set of three follower pins 17 f with the set of three cam grooves C2 of the cam ring 15, the profiles of which are similar to those of the lens-drive cam grooves C1. At the same time, the outer ring 16 and the inner ring 17, the respective outer peripheral surfaces of which are exposed to the outside of the zoom lens barrel 1, move together in the optical axis direction since the outer ring 16 moves together with the cam ring 15 in the optical axis direction at all times due to the engagement of the set of three bayonet prongs 16 d with the circumferential groove 15 c.

[0113] If the cam ring 15 rotates in a direction from the zooming section via the preparation section (i.e., in the barrier closing direction), the outer and inner rings 16 and 17 retract together in the optical axis direction by operations reverse to the above described operations. Subsequently, the first lens frame 20, which supports the first lens group L1, and the second lens group moving frame 19, which supports the second lens group L2, come into contact with each other at their respective rear ends via the three helical compression springs 30, while the second lens group moving frame 19 retreats until coming into contact with the third lens frame 22 to push the third lens frame 22 against the filter holding portion 11 c against the helical compression spring 23, which presses the third lens frame 22 forward. At the same time, the three rotation transfer faces 15 d respectively press the three engaging portions 31 a of the barrier drive ring 31 against the spring force of the helical extension spring 45 to rotate the barrier drive ring 31 in a direction to close the pair of barrier blades 42 to shut the photographing aperture 41 a.

[0114] As has been described above, in the present embodiment of the zoom lens barrel, assuming that the second lens group moving frame 19 is moved to the accommodation position thereof with the second lens group moving frame 19 being guided only linearly in the optical axis direction in a manner similar to that of the first lens group moving frame 18, each of the three lens-drive cam grooves C1 has to be formed longer in a circumferential direction of the cam ring 15. However, if the set of three lens-drive cam grooves C1 are simply formed longer, these grooves would interfere with other cam grooves (e.g., the cam grooves C2). To prevent this problem from occurring, the diameter of the cam ring 15 has to be increased. However, according to the present embodiment of the zoom lens barrel 1, the portion 2 of each of the three lens-drive cam groove C1 which is used to accommodate the second lens group moving frame 19 can be designed short in a circumferential direction of the cam ring 15 within a range in which none of the three lens-drive cam grooves C1 interfere with other cam grooves. This contributes to further miniaturization of the diameter of the cam ring 15.

[0115] In the present embodiment of the zoom lens barrel, although the flexible PWB 21 b is twisted when the second lens group moving-frame 19 rotates, the flexible PWB 21 b is not damaged because the flexible PWB 21 b is fixed to the shutter unit 21 that rotates together with the second lens group moving frame 19. Therefore, a driving signal information on an object brightness can be reliably transmitted to the shutter unit 21 via the flexible PWB 21 b to open and close the shutter blades 21 a.

[0116] In addition, the above described structure wherein the bending portion 21 bx of the flexible PWB 21 b passes through the rubber band 29, which pulls the bending portion 21 bx obliquely rearwards in a direction away from the optical axis O, prevents the flexible PWB 21 b from bending and interfering with the photographing optical path of the zoom lens barrel 1.

[0117] In the present embodiment of the zoom lens barrel when the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19 retreat to the accommodated positions thereof as shown in FIG. 6, the three linear guide keys 19 a are loosely fitted in the three circumferential slots 18 j, and the first lens group moving frame 18 retreats until the three linear guide keys 19 a respectively project forward from the front ends of the three circumferential slots 18 j. This structure makes it possible for the first and second lens moving frames 18 and 19 to be accommodated as compact as possible.

[0118] As has been described above, friction produced between the light shield ring 19 c of the second lens group moving frame 19 and the first lens frame 20 becomes a problem when the second lens group moving frame 19 rotates relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 in the accommodation position because the first lens frame 20 is in contact with the light shield ring 19 c at the mechanically contacting point P. Such friction may cause the first lens frame 20 to rotate relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 to thereby deviate in the optical axis direction relative to the first lens group moving frame 18 because the male thread portion of the first lens frame 20 is in mesh with the female thread portion 18 d of the inner flange 18 b. In the present embodiment of the zoom lens barrel, to prevent such deviation of the axial position of the first lens frame from occurring, the low-frictional sheet 26 that is made of e.g., a tetrafluoroethylene resin is fixed to the front surface of the light shield ring 19 c, to which the rear face of the first lens frame 20 comes into contact. In the accommodation state of the zoom lens barrel 1 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the low-frictional sheet 26 is held between the first lens frame 20 and the light shield ring 19 c. The low-frictional sheet 26 can be made of any other material than a tetrafluoroethylene resin. The low-frictional sheet 26 can be a sheet wherein the contacting surface of which is coated with a low-frictional resin such as a low-frictional fluoroplastic. The low-frictional sheet 26 can be fixed to a rear surface of the first lens frame 20 instead of the light shield ring 19 c.

[0119] In the present embodiment of the zoom lens barrel, upon being rotated, the cam ring 15 positioned at the accommodation position thereof firstly moves linearly in the optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis O to release biasing forces applied to the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19 at the respective accommodation positions thereof, subsequently moves in the optical axis direction while rotating about the optical axis O, and finally the cam ring 15 rotates about the optical axis O without moving in the optical axis direction. Due to this structure, the cam ring 15 does not interfere with any peripheral elements in a predetermined moving section of the cam ring 15 from the fully-retracted position thereof even if the zoom lens barrel 1 is constructed as compact as possible.

[0120] In the present embodiment of the zoom lens barrel, when the cam ring 15 retreats linearly in the optical axis direction toward the accommodation position thereof, the inner ring 17 moves together with the cam ring 15 to thereby increase the biasing force of the helical compression springs 30. This causes the first lens frame 20, which is fixed to the first lens group moving frame 18, and the second lens group moving frame 19 to make sure contact with each other, and at the same time, causes the second lens group moving frame 19 and the third lens frame 22 to make sure contact with each other.

[0121] In the present embodiment of the zoom lens barrel, with a simple structure, backlash is reliably prevented from occurring between the cam ring 15 and the guiding mechanism for guiding the cam ring 15 in the optical axis direction, in a predetermined moving section thereof such as the zooming section shown in FIG. 11 where a high optical performance is required. This simple structure improves the performance of the focusing system of the zoom lens barrel 1.

[0122] In addition, the cam ring 15 is not-biased to remove such backlash at all times; the set of three follower pins 15 b of the cam ring 15 are free from the biasing force applied thereto via the set of three inward projections 32 c, and are loosely engaged in either the linear slot portions 13 b 1 or the state-changing slot portion 13 b 2 of the set of cam slots 13 b, so that the cam ring 15 rotates about the optical axis and moves in the optical axis direction smoothly when the zoom lens barrel 1 retracts to an accommodation position and advances to a ready-to-photograph position.

[0123] Although the set of linear guide grooves 18 c and the set of circumferential recesses 18 h are formed on the first lens group moving frame 18 while the set of linear guide keys 19 a are formed on the second lens group moving frame 19, a set of linear guide grooves and a set of circumferential recesses which are respectively correspond to the set of linear guide grooves 18 c and the set of circumferential recesses 18 h can be formed on the second lens group moving frame 19 while a set of linear guide keys corresponding to the set of linear guide keys 19 a can be formed on the first lens group moving frame 18.

[0124] The rubber band 29 can be substituted by any other elastic band.

[0125] The present invention can be applied not only to a zoom lens barrel but also to a fixed-focal-length lens barrel having a ring member which projects from and retracts into a camera body.

[0126] The above described linear guiding mechanism for guiding the first and second lens group moving frames 18 and 19 and the inner ring 17 in the optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis O is not limited solely to such a particular mechanism as long as the general concept of the two sets of lens-drive cam grooves C1 and C2 is applied to the lens barrel. Although the set of three lens-drive cam grooves C1 are formed on the cam ring 15 in the above illustrated embodiment of the zoom lens barrel 1, a similar effect can be expected with only one lens-drive cam groove C1 in theory. Likewise, although the set of three lens-drive cam grooves C2 are formed on the cam ring 15 in the above illustrated embodiment of the zoom lens barrel 1, a similar effect can be expected with only one lens-drive cam groove C2 in theory.

[0127] As can be understood from the foregoing, according to the present invention, a lens barrel is achieved which has front and rear lens groups and also a cam ring on which cam grooves for driving the front and rear lens groups are formed, wherein front and rear lens groups can be driven to move forward smoothly from their respective accommodation positions in an optical axis direction by rotation of the cam ring even if the angle of inclination of each cam groove formed thereon with respect to a circumferential direction of the cam ring is small.

[0128] Moreover, in a type of lens barrel in which the respective lens group moving frames of front and rear lens groups are driven to rotate relative to each other while remaining in contact with each other to retract the front and rear lens groups to their respective accommodation positions, the friction produced between the contacting surfaces of the two lens group moving frames can be made minimal.

[0129] Furthermore, since the cam ring is prohibited from rotating in a predetermined moving section of the cam ring from a fully retracted position thereof, the cam ring is prevented from interfering with any peripheral elements while moving in the optical axis direction in the predetermined moving section.

[0130] Furthermore, backlash is prevented from occurring between the cam ring and a guiding mechanism for guiding the cam ring in the optical axis direction.

[0131] Obvious changes may be made in the specific embodiment of the present invention described herein, such modifications being within the spirit and scope of the invention claimed. It is indicated that all matter contained herein is illustrative and does not limit the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A lens barrel having at least one movable lens frame and a cam ring for moving said movable lens frame in a direction of an optical axis via a movement of said cam ring which is rotatable about said optical axis and movable in said optical axis direction, said lens barrel comprising: a stationary ring provided around, and coaxial with, said cam ring; a rotatable ring provided around, and coaxial with, said stationary barrel, said rotatable ring being driven to rotate about said optical axis; a cam follower which extends radially outwards from said cam ring; and a cam through-slot and a rotation transfer groove which are formed on said stationary ring and said rotatable ring, respectively, so that said cam follower is engaged in said cam through-slot and corresponding said rotation transfer groove; wherein said cam through-slot includes a linear slot portion which extends parallel to said optical axis; and an inclined slot portion which extends in a direction inclined to both said optical axis direction and a circumferential direction of said stationary ring; and wherein said rotation transfer groove includes an inclined groove portion in which said cam follower is engaged when said cam follower is engaged in said linear slot portion; and a linear groove portion in which said cam follower is engaged when said cam follower is engaged in said inclined slot portion.
 2. The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein said linear slot portion is formed on said stationary barrel at a position to fully retract said cam ring.
 3. The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein said movable lens frame comprises a front movable lens frame and a rear movable lens frame; said lens barrel further comprising: a linear guide ring which guides said front movable lens frame linearly in said optical axis direction without rotating said front movable lens frame about said optical axis; and a biasing device provided between said linear guide ring and said front movable lens frame, for biasing said front movable lens frame rearwards; wherein each of said front movable lens frame and said rear movable lens frame moves to an accommodation position thereof via a biasing force of said biasing device when said cam follower of said cam ring moves along said linear slot portion toward an end thereof corresponding to an accommodation position of said cam ring.
 4. The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein said lens barrel comprises a zoom lens barrel.
 5. The lens barrel according to claim 3, wherein said biasing device comprises at least one helical compression spring.
 6. A lens barrel in which a movable lens frame is driven in an optical axis direction via rotation of a cam ring, said lens barrel comprising: a cam follower which extends radially outwards from said cam ring; a stationary barrel provided around, and coaxial with, said cam ring, said stationary barrel including a cam through-slot in which said cam follower is engaged, said cam through-slot including a lens-frame-driving slot portion for moving said movable lens frame in said optical axis direction in a predetermined operating range; and a biasing ring for biasing said cam ring toward said stationary ring in said optical axis direction; wherein said biasing ring includes a contacting surface which comes into contact with a portion of said cam follower which projects radially outwards from said cam through-slot to press said portion of said cam follower against a side edge of said cam through-slot when said cam follower is engaged in said lens-frame-driving slot portion of said cam through-slot.
 7. The lens barrel according to claim 6, wherein said biasing ring comprises a projection, a rear end surface thereof constituting said contacting surface.
 8. The lens barrel according to claim 6, wherein said cam through-slot extends in a circumferential direction of said stationary barrel.
 9. The lens barrel according to claim 6, further comprising a rotatable ring provided around, and coaxial with, said stationary barrel, said rotatable ring being driven to rotate about said optical axis; wherein said rotatable ring includes a rotation transfer groove formed on an inner peripheral surface of said rotatable ring so that said cam follower is engaged in said cam through-slot and a corresponding said rotation transfer groove, said cam ring being rotated by rotation of said rotatable ring via engagement of said cam follower with said rotation transfer groove.
 10. The lens barrel according to claim 9, further comprising a biasing device which biases said biasing ring and said rotatable ring to approach each other in said optical axis direction; wherein said biasing ring is mounted to said rotatable ring via said biasing device.
 11. The lens barrel according to claim 7, further comprising: a rotatable ring provided around, and coaxial with, said stationary barrel and driven to rotate about said optical axis, said rotatable ring including a rotation transfer groove formed on an inner peripheral surface of said rotatable ring so that said cam follower is engaged in said cam through-slot and a corresponding said rotation transfer groove, said cam ring being rotated by rotation of said rotatable ring via engagement of said cam follower with said rotation transfer groove; and a biasing device which biases said biasing ring and said rotatable ring to approach each other in said optical axis direction; wherein said biasing ring is mounted to said rotatable ring via said biasing device; and wherein said projection is formed on said biasing ring to extend radially inwards to extend through said rotatable ring through a through hole formed on said rotatable ring immediately in front of said rotation transfer groove.
 12. The lens barrel according to claim 7, wherein said lens barrel comprises a zoom lens barrel, said lens-frame-driving slot portion constituting a zooming slot portion for moving said movable lens frame in said optical axis to perform a zooming operation. 